Now is his work performed;
now is the mighty captive freed,
and death's strong castle stormed.
2. The Lord is risen indeed!
Then hell has lost his prey;
with him is risen the ransomed seed
to reign in endless day.
3. The Lord is risen indeed!
He lives, to die no more;
he lives, the sinner's cause to plead,
whose curse and shame he bore.
4. The Lord is risen indeed!
Attending angels, hear!
Up to the courts of heaven with speed
the joyful tidings bear.
5. Then take your golden lyres,
and strike each cheerful chord;
join, all the bright celestial choirs,
to sing our risen Lord.
The hymn "The Lord Is Risen Indeed" was written by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895), an Irish hymn writer, who is known for her numerous contributions to Christian hymnody. The story behind this hymn is connected to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the joy and hope it brings to Christians.
Story Behind the Hymn:
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote "The Lord Is Risen Indeed" in 1848. She was deeply influenced by her own Christian faith and by the Anglican tradition in which she was involved, particularly focusing on the themes of Easter and the resurrection. The hymn was intended as a celebration of the central doctrine of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
At the time, Alexander was living in Ireland, where she was also involved in various forms of ministry, including writing hymns for children. Her hymns were often characterized by their simple, direct language and strong doctrinal content, making them both accessible and rich in theological meaning. She had already gained fame for other works such as "All Things Bright and Beautiful", which is still sung widely in churches today.
Alexander was particularly interested in teaching the truths of Christianity to young people, and "The Lord Is Risen Indeed" was written with this aim in mind. The hymn's simple but powerful declaration, "The Lord is risen indeed," reflects the core of the Easter message: that through Jesus’ resurrection, believers are assured of victory over death and sin. It is also an expression of joy and triumph, meant to inspire and encourage the faith of those who sing or hear it.
Lyrics and Meaning:
The lyrics of the hymn focus on the joyous proclamation of Christ’s resurrection. The first verse declares:
"The Lord is risen indeed!
He lives to die no more;
He lives, the sinner’s cause to plead,
Whose curse and shame He bore."
This verse affirms the central truth that Christ’s resurrection means He has conquered death and will never die again. The hymn highlights the victory of Jesus over sin and death, and His role as the intercessor for sinners.
The second verse emphasizes the importance of the resurrection for the believer’s own hope:
"The Lord is risen indeed!
O’er sin and death His blood
Has made the ransom price complete,
And sealed our peace with God."
Here, the hymn emphasizes that through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, peace with God is secured for those who believe in Him.
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